BYD unveiled its first kei car, the Racco, at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, marking a major step in the Chinese automaker’s expansion into Japan’s unique small-car segment. The company said it has no plans to sell the model outside Japan.
The Racco, described as a “super-height wagon,” enters the core of Japan’s kei car market — compact vehicles known for their efficiency and practicality. Measuring 3.4 meters long, 1.48 meters wide, and 1.8 meters high, the Racco features sliding doors on both sides to enhance accessibility.
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In keeping with BYD’s Ocean Series naming convention, the model takes its name from the Japanese word for sea otter. Its design combines boxy proportions with a clean, technical aesthetic and rounded details that give it a friendly, approachable look.
“The Racco is the brand’s first model developed exclusively for overseas markets,” said Atsuki Tofukuji, President of BYD Auto Japan. “We have built more than 100 prototypes and are evaluating their crash, driving, and charging performance,” he added.
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The electric kei car will be offered with BYD’s Blade (LFP) battery in both short- and long-range variants. According to CarNewsChina, the top model will use a 20 kWh battery pack, support DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, and deliver a WLTC range of around 180 kilometres. It will also feature a heat pump to improve efficiency.
The Racco will be manufactured in China — an unusual move for a kei car — and is set to launch in Japan in the summer of 2026. The unveiling underscores BYD’s commitment to Japan, as the company continues to broaden its product portfolio and strengthen its presence in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets.
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